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June is
"Adopt a Shelter Pet "
Month!
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But Shelters need our
support all year long!
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| The American Humane Society
estimates that more than 15 million, healthy, friendly dogs, cats,
puppies and kittens will be put to sleep in shelters this year because
nobody wants them. There are however, two important things that
you can do to help end these needless slaughters. Spay/neuter
your pets to prevent unwanted animals, and opt to adopt from your
local animal shelter or rescue.
Shelters and rescues are filled with cats,
dogs, bunnies, birds, ferrets, and even horses and goats. These
animals all have one thing in common, they are in need of a loving
home.
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Reasons to Opt to Adopt
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| -You will be saving a life.
By adopting an animal from the shelter that is one more animal in this
world given a second chance, one less to be marked as destroyed, and
one pet that will love you forever.
-Shelter pets are current on vaccines,
tests, and spay/neuter. Puppies and kittens that are too young
to be spayed/neutered are usually given a voucher for a free
spay/neuter. All you have to do is pay the adoption fee which
can range from $25-$80. |
Common Myths About Shelter Adoptions
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| "They are all sick"
-This just isn't true, but it is the
chance you take when you adopt, or buy any animal. Nobody can
guarantee the health of any animal.
"They have behavior problems, that's
why they were given up."
You will find many pets abandoned in
shelters are not give up due to behavior problems, but due to pet
owners not having the time or energy to train and redirect behavior
problems when they arise. The majority of shelters and rescues
have a staff of volunteers and foster families dedicated to
redirecting improper behavior problems prior to adoption. The
second most popular reason pets are given up is because the family is
moving, while "he is just too big for our home" is ranked
3rd. The majority are strays that were picked up by animal
control or rescuers.
"All shelters have are adult dogs and
cats."
This isn't true, kittens and puppies go
very quickly in shelters. Give some thought to the adult
adoption. More healthy adult dogs and cats are put to sleep in
shelters then puppies and kittens. These adult animals are not a
surprise, what you see is what you get. You will already know
how big the animal is, they already know basic commands, and do not
need the constant supervision and training that goes along with owning
a kitten or puppy. Adults are all caught up on vaccines and are
spayed/neutered prior to adoption.
"But we want a Siamese or Golden
Retriever."
Believe it or not, pure bred pets make up
nearly 40% of the population in shelters. Do not be surprised
when you walk into a shelter and find a litter of Siamese kittens, an
adult Persian or a beautiful black lab. Being pure bred does not
make any animal immune to shelter life. You may also want to
take the opportunity to contact the many breed rescues out there. For
every pure bred animal is a rescue dedicated to the welfare of that
particular breed. Check with your local vet, groomer, shelter,
or look to the Internet for a listing of breed rescues |
Tips on Choosing a Shelter Pet
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| Please remember the shelter is
a scary place for any animal and is not a natural home environment.
Do not turn your back on the dog that doesn't jump from his pen or the
cat that hides in his litter box. All these animals need is a
bit of love, a gentle hand, and a real home environment.
Ask questions about the animal's
personality. If you have children you will want an animal that
gets along well with children, or if you have an apartment you will
want a dog or cat that doesn't need too much room to run around.
Visit the different shelters and rescues
until the perfect dog or cat grabs your attention. It can take a
few days or a few months to find the animal that is right for you and
your family. If you are looking for a particular color, size, or
breed, leave your name and number with the shelter or rescue, if an
animal comes in matching your description they will contact you. |
You too Can Make a Difference!
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| You do not have to adopt an
animal to help make a difference. Inform and educate the people
you know about the importance of adopting their next pet at the local
shelter or rescue. Volunteer a few hours this month to petting
and brushing cats and kittens, helping to bottle feed newborn puppies,
or walking dogs. Many shelters and rescues have a wish
list or a list of items that the animals desperately need.
You can donate any of the following items
to your local shelter or rescue:
-Old sheets, blankets, pillow cases,
towels, washcloths.
-Gently used pet toys, collars, leashes, bowls, litter pans, crates,
carriers & scratching posts.
-Dog & puppy food, cat & kitten food, milk replacer.
-Paper towels, bleach, antibacterial soaps and cleaners.
-Scrub buckets, mops, sponges, scrub brushes.
-Unwanted pet related coupons.
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Please take the time and read the
following animal shelter
adoption stories written by your fellow SGM sisters
and friends. |
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| If you have a story to submit
or if you have a page about an adopted Shelter pet, please take this
banner and link it back to here so others can also read the benefits
of Shelter Adoptions. |
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From: The Animal Spirit
Thank you Shell >^,,^<
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I would like to thank
everyone involved for their hard work to make this page a success!
Strawberry |
IN HONOUR OF ALL SHELTER ANIMALS EVERYWHERE
This Adopt A Shelter Pet site
is owned by The Strawberry Patch
visitors
Page Information and links by Sevie
(GPC)
Recruitment of stories by StarBreeze (C)(A&E)
Graphics and page maintenance by Strawberry (GPC)
Created 05/05/01 Last Edited 02/04/02
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